[NCLUG] re: starband and linux

[Dan Fink]

Hello Dr. Hamid...I'm a CSU grad (journalism) who lives up in the hills, 
and uses Linux with Starband for my job (I work at home).

The problem is that the accelerator software that starband needs is only 
available for Windows. Some heavy hitters in the industry (see 
starbandusers.com -- Ken Knight tried also) have tried to pry the Linux 
drivers loose from Nettgain and they won't budge -- or even answer 
emails regarding starband. Starband automatically kicks all 
non-accelerated traffic off their net, so it's no go for Linux or Mac. 
Some folks have succeeded in using VMware in Linux to run the starband 
drivers, but I am not familiar with that package. So -- barring using 
VMWare you have to use a windows machine as a gateway, and a NAT or 
Proxy server program.

I live 12 miles past the nearest power line and run on solar power, so 
power consumption is a big issue. Therefore, I use an older, cheap 
laptop as a windows gateway to the starband modem, and run my primary 
computer on Linux thru the LAN. You'll need 2 NIC cards on the gateway 
machine, one for starband and one to the LAN hub. You *cannot* connect 
the starband modem directly to a router or switch. Ethernet is no 
problem at all -- that's what I use for all connections too-- the 
standard starband 360 modem supports both Ethernet and USB connections.

For EXCELLENT starband info (including Linux info), try 
starbandusers.com -- their basic tech info + FAQs is free, but it costs 
$15/yr to use the forums. It was the best $15 I ever spent!  I'm using 
KSC Proxy as my proxy server, it's available free for members of the site.

Last I heard, the other VSAT option (DirecWay) will not allow proxy 
servers at all, and also requires Windows. Starband works great for me, 
but it is the ONLY option up here for using Linux. My upload speeds 
burst pretty fast, then neck down to about ISDN level. My download DSL 
speed or slightly slower. If your VSAT cluster is very busy at a certain 
hour, it will show  in both your up/down speeds. Weather outages are 
extremely rare -- it really has to DUMP rain or snow to block the signal.

After 1.5 years of using starband I give them a "B." Some hassles and 
bugs at first, but everything has been running very smoothly since last 
spring. I had mine installed by Hal of Skyrealm - he did a great job. I 
would also add that starband went chapter 11 last June -- but is still 
in business and service is still improving.

Oh yeah -- if you can get CWX.net service at your location, go with that 
over starband/direcway!!! Unfortunately too many hills and trees in the 
way here.

Cheers
Dan




> Message: 1
> From: Idris S Hamid <ishamid at attbi.com>
> Organization: Imamology
> To: nclug at nclug.org
> Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 15:24:41 -0800
> Subject: [NCLUG] starband & linux?
> Reply-To: nclug at nclug.org
> 
> Dear folks,
> 
> Well, it seems my only two options for my new home up in the hills are IS=
> DN=20
> and Starband. I'm leaning towards Starband but it's crippled to run on=20
> Windows only. Does anyone know how to uncripple the modem it so that I ca=
> n=20
> plug it into my ethernet port? Any other issues involved? Is there a How-=
> To=20
> somewhere on this?=20
> 
> I'm going to be internet-less after tomorrow so I hope someone has an ans=
> wer=20
> before then...
> 
> Thnx in advance & Best wishes
> Idris
> --=20
> Dr. Idris S Hamid
> Department of Philosophy
> Colorado State University
> Fort Collins, CO 80523
>